Countermeasures

b. Selecting the Developing Protective Measures.

OPSEC measures are

implemented

to

degrade

hostile

intelligence

agencies'

collection

capabilities.

c. Countermeasures.

Once a threat against a unit, installation, or

activity is identified, an assessment is made.

It will concern the

vulnerability of each individual EEFI. First, the assessment determines how

vulnerable an EEFI element is to collection efforts; second, an appropriate

countermeasure can then be chosen and implemented. A countermeasure is an

action taken to eliminate or reduce the vulnerability of and EEFI element to

collection. Examples are physical security precautions, security awareness

when using telephone or radio communicators, camouflage techniques, etc.

Such countermeasures are used to deny a hostile intelligence service the

chance to collect any data that would compromise the operation, activity, or

project.

(1) The principal elements of OPSEC are physical security and

information security; other principals are signal security and, at times,

deception operations.

Physical security measures are perimeter fencing,

badge and pass system, protective sensors, etc. These measures can greatly

aid in implementing an OPSEC program.

Further information concerning

physical security measures can be directed to the local provost marshal

office.

Information security is the protection of information and

documents. This is vitally important to the OPSEC program.

(2) Security procedures may include using only approved storage

containers, double-checking of offices before leaving, etc. Such measures

can be taken by persons to protect classified and sensitive information from

compromise. AR 380-5 covers DA Information Security Program Regulation. It

contains important provisions regarding information security and can be used

to aid in implementing the OPSEC program.

(3) Signal Security (SIGSEC) includes all measures taken to deny

collection of data from both COMINT and ELINT operations. However, such a

simple thing as not discussing classified or sensitive information over the

telephone can greatly aid in maintaining security. Deception operations are

security measures taken to deceive, mask, or mislead any collection effort.

Camouflage systems for vehicles, equipment, and personnel are simple

deception measures.

The use of detailed deception operations is tightly

controlled, and procedures outlined in applicable regulations and guidelines

should be consulted.

This should occur before beginning a deception

operation.

d. OPSEC Surveys.

(1) An OPSEC survey is an investigation of the intelligence

indicators projected by an operation or activity. The goal is to determine

what an enemy can know and what his potential sources are. The survey is an

intelligence collection effort. Minimal overt manpower is used. The survey

is conducted in a limited time frame. It is important that members of the

surveyed unit and COs at every level understand that the survey is a fact-

finding service; it is not a fault-finding service.

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